Olympics: Rabia’s coach hopes for an easy start
Much will depend on the competition she faces in the heat, says Parveen.
KARACHI:
Bushra Parveen, Pakistan’s athletics coach accompany the two-person squad in London, believes that Rabia Ashiq’s chances of doing well in the 800m run depend on the kind of competition she faces in her heat.
After a disappointing finish by the 100m sprinter Liaqat Ali, the focus has shifted to Rabia who will be competing in the heat tomorrow. While the runner left for the Games with a target of breaking the national record (2:08:04), set by Parveen, the athlete’s personal best currently stands at 2:10:65 that she recorded at the Asian Grand Prix in May.
“Rabia’s performance will depend on her competitors as the competition level will give her extra motivation to do well,” Parveen told The Express Tribune before adding that the runner will need to control her nerves. “We thought Ali would do quite well but he disappointed us with a slow start, so I can’t predict anything. Rabia is very confident that she can set a new national record.”
The official stressed that the 800m runner has got plenty of time to get used to the conditions and the track compared to Ali and has a better chance of doing well.
Meanwhile, Rabia said that she has been training hard and was looking forward to the competition.
“My training has been good in London and I hope I do well in my event,” said Rabia.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 7th, 2012.
Bushra Parveen, Pakistan’s athletics coach accompany the two-person squad in London, believes that Rabia Ashiq’s chances of doing well in the 800m run depend on the kind of competition she faces in her heat.
After a disappointing finish by the 100m sprinter Liaqat Ali, the focus has shifted to Rabia who will be competing in the heat tomorrow. While the runner left for the Games with a target of breaking the national record (2:08:04), set by Parveen, the athlete’s personal best currently stands at 2:10:65 that she recorded at the Asian Grand Prix in May.
“Rabia’s performance will depend on her competitors as the competition level will give her extra motivation to do well,” Parveen told The Express Tribune before adding that the runner will need to control her nerves. “We thought Ali would do quite well but he disappointed us with a slow start, so I can’t predict anything. Rabia is very confident that she can set a new national record.”
The official stressed that the 800m runner has got plenty of time to get used to the conditions and the track compared to Ali and has a better chance of doing well.
Meanwhile, Rabia said that she has been training hard and was looking forward to the competition.
“My training has been good in London and I hope I do well in my event,” said Rabia.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 7th, 2012.